MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. The state has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Mississippi is home to a diverse population of people, including African Americans, Native Americans, and people of European descent. The state has a strong agricultural economy, with crops like cotton, soybeans, and sweet potatoes being major contributors. Mississippi is also known for its music, particularly blues and gospel, as well as its delicious cuisine, which features dishes like fried chicken, catfish, and gumbo. The state has a number of historic sites and landmarks, including Civil War battlefields, antebellum homes, and museums.
Mississippi has a diverse range of forest types, including bottomland hardwood forests, pine forests, and mixed hardwood forests. The Mississippi River Valley in the western part of the state has some of the most extensive bottomland hardwood forests in the country, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl. The state also has large areas of pine forests, which are managed for timber production and provide important habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The mixed hardwood forests of Mississippi contain a variety of tree species such as oak, hickory, and sweetgum, providing important habitat for a range of wildlife species.
The Bienville National Forest in Mississippi covers over 178,000 acres of land and offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor activities. The forest is home to several hiking trails, campgrounds, fishing spots, and scenic drives. The terrain is predominantly rolling hills covered in a mix of pine and hardwood trees, with numerous streams, rivers, and lakes dotted throughout the area. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and several species of birds. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mississippi/recarea/?recid=28789
Bienville Ranger District
3473 Highway 35 South Forest, Mississippi 39074
(601) 469-3811
Chickasawhay Ranger District
968 Highway 15 South Laurel, Mississippi 39443
(601) 428-0594 or (601) 428-0595
De Soto National Forest in Mississippi is a beautiful forest covering over 500,000 acres. The forest is located in the southeastern part of the state and spans several counties. The terrain is diverse, featuring rolling hills, flatlands, and wetlands. The forest is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including longleaf pine trees, wildflowers, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species. There are numerous recreational opportunities in De Soto National Forest, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. Visitors can explore the many trails that wind through the forest, which vary in difficulty and offer stunning views of the natural beauty of the area. The forest is also home to several historic sites, including the De Soto National Forest Scenic Byway and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mississippi/recarea/?recid=28833
De Soto Ranger District
654 Frontage Drive West P.O. Box 248 Wiggins, Mississippi 39577
(601) 528-6160
The Delta National Forest is a protected area located in western Mississippi, covering over 60,000 acres of land. It was established in 1935 and is managed by the United States Forest Service. The forest is known for its unique ecosystem, with bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, and pine forests, which provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, bobcats, and numerous species of birds. Visitors to the Delta National Forest can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest also offers opportunities for scenic drives, picnicking, and boating on the Big Sunflower River.
Delta Ranger District
68 Frontage Road Rolling Fork, Mississippi 39159
(662) 873-6256 or (662) 873-6257
Holly Springs National Forest is located in northeastern Mississippi and covers over 155,000 acres of land. The forest is known for its diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear. Visitors can explore the forest through various hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Chewalla Lake Recreation Area is a popular destination within the forest, offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The forest also contains a number of historical and cultural sites, including prehistoric Native American burial mounds and the historic Bethel Presbyterian Church.
Holly Springs Ranger District
Wiggins, Mississippi 39577 Oxford, Mississippi 38655-4915
(662) 236-6550 or (662) 236-6741
The Homochitto National Forest in Mississippi is a beautiful and diverse area that offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. The forest covers over 190,000 acres of rolling hills, pine forests, and hardwood bottomlands. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and a large population of black bears. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping in the forest. The Clear Springs Recreation Area is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The forest also has several scenic drives, including the 16-mile Bethel Road, which winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the landscape. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mississippi/recarea/?recid=28865
Homochitto Ranger District
1200 Highway 184E East Meadville, Mississippi 39653
(601) 384-5876
Tombigbee National Forest is located in northeastern Mississippi and covers over 67,000 acres of land. The forest is known for its diverse wildlife and ecosystems, including bottomland hardwoods, upland hardwoods, and pine forests. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping in the forest. The forest also contains several scenic drives, including the Tuxachanie Trail Scenic Byway and the Bethel Road Scenic Byway. The Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers run through the forest, providing opportunities for water activities like kayaking and canoeing. Additionally, the forest is home to several historic sites, including the Owl Creek Mounds Archaeological Site, which showcases the Native American history of the area. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mississippi/recarea/?recid=28859
Tombigbee Ranger District
6052 Highway 15 South Ackerman, Mississippi 39735
(662) 285-3264
There isn’t any land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Mississipi!
There aren’t any grasslands in Mississippi!
tips and tricks
Mississippi is known for its southern cuisine, so be sure to try local favorites like fried chicken, catfish, and barbecue. Don’t miss out on trying Mississippi’s famous soul food, including collard greens, fried okra, and sweet potato pie.
Mississippi has a rich musical heritage, especially when it comes to blues music. Visit Clarksdale to learn about the history of blues music and visit the Mississippi Blues Trail, which highlights significant blues locations throughout the state.
While Mississippi has several airports, renting a car is the most convenient way to travel around the state. Public transportation options are limited, especially in rural areas.
do’s and dont’s
Be open to meeting new people and experiencing the state’s famous hospitality!
Be respectful of Mississippi’s diverse population and cultural heritage.
Don’t ignore safety precautions, especially when traveling alone or at night.
Don’t leave valuables visible in your car or unattended in public areas.
